Privacy group wants un-redacted report on Google Wi-Fi snooping

A privacy group wants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release more information about its investigation into Google's collection of personal data from unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act on Wednesday for the FCC to release its un-redacted report on the investigation.

The FCC released a version of the report that redacted information about the total volume of data Google collected and the company's intent, according to the group.

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EPIC also requested all internal documents the FCC created as part of its investigation, briefings with lawmakers about the case and any communications with other agencies over the issue.

The FCC redacts sensitive business information from its public reports.

From 2007 to 2010, Google's cars collected data from nearby Wi-Fi networks as they drove through neighborhoods, taking pictures for its Google Maps Street View project. The data included passwords and other personal information.

Google said the data collection was inadvertent and that it never used the information.

The FCC investigated the incident and was unable to conclude whether Google violated wiretapping laws. But the FCC proposed a $25,000 fine because Google "deliberately impeded and delayed" the agency's investigation into the case.

The FCC said Google refused to hand over internal emails or identify employees. When questioned, one engineer invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in order not to testify.

A Google spokeswoman said the company disagrees with the "FCC’s characterization of our cooperation."